Presbyter
Saint Lucian, originating from the city of Samosata in Syria, became an orphan at the age of twelve and, having distributed his possessions to the poor, went to the confessor Macarius in Edessa. He zealously studied the Holy Scriptures and led a strict ascetic life. For his virtues, he was ordained as a presbyter in Antioch, where he founded a school and worked on correcting the text of the Holy Scriptures.
King Maximian Galerius, wishing to destroy Christianity, commanded to find Lucian. The traitor Pancratius revealed his whereabouts. Lucian was captured and sent to be tortured in Nicomedia, where he encouraged other Christians, strengthening them in faith. He also instructed soldiers who had renounced Christ to be courageous and patient, which led to their martyrdom.
In Nicomedia, Lucian endured many sufferings, including hunger and thirst, and was imprisoned. On the day of Theophany, he celebrated the liturgy in prison, partaking of the Holy Mysteries of Christ. He died proclaiming: “I am a Christian!” His body was thrown into the sea, but after thirty days it was found by dolphins and buried with honor.
The holy equal-to-the-apostles Empress Helena built a church over his grave, glorifying God. The memory of Saint Lucian is celebrated on October 15.
